India-New Zealand FTA from 20 October: From kiwi to apples and honey, here’s what could get cheaper for you

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into force on 20 October 2026, paving the way for lower import duties on several products coming from New Zealand.

The agreement was signed this year on 27 April by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay, according to a Ministry of Commerce and Industry release.

An FTA is an agreement between countries to reduce or remove trade barriers, including import duties.

For Indian consumers, this could mean lower prices for some New Zealand products over time, although the extent to which consumers actually benefit will depend on how the lower duties are passed on to retail prices.

“We have chosen the auspicious day Dussehra – Vijay Dashmi for the entry into force of the India-New Zealand FTA,” Goyal said. Here is what could get cheaper for Indian consumers from Dussehra 2026.

Which New Zealand products could get cheaper?

India has agreed to tariff concessions on 70% of its tariff lines for products coming from New Zealand. The remaining 30% of tariff lines have been kept on the exclusion list.

The tariff concessions are spread across products, with some duties being removed immediately and others being reduced gradually.

Which fruits and other products could get cheaper for Indians?

For some agricultural and food products, India has not completely removed tariffs. Instead, it has allowed a specified quantity to enter at a lower duty.

Which products will remain outside the FTA?

Not all New Zealand products coming to India will become cheaper. India has excluded dairy products such as milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, cheese, and butter, along with several other agricultural and animal products.

The exclusion list also covers products such as onions, chana, peas, corn, almonds, sugar, artificial honey, vegetable fats and oils, and arms and ammunition.

The key takeaway for consumers is that the FTA will lower or eliminate import duties on several New Zealand products, but the impact will vary by product and will be phased in over different periods.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Please visit the official website for the latest updates.